“SYSTEMATICS
Class Gastropoda Cuvier, 1791
Subclass Ortogastropoda Ponder and Lindberg, 1996
Superorder Caenogastropoda Cox, 1959
Order Sorbeoconcha Ponder and Lindberg, 1996
Infraorder Neogastropoda Wenz, 1938
Family Muricidae da Costa, 1776
Subfamily Trophoninae Cossmann, 1903
Genus Trophon Montfort, 1810
Type Species: Murex magellanicus Gmelin, 1791 (=Buccinum geversianus Pallas, 1774) by original designation. Polyplex Perry, 1811 (type species Polyplex bulbosa Perry, 1811 = Buccinum geversianum Pallas, 1774) and Muricidea Swainson, 1840 (type species Murex magellanicus Chemnitz, 1780 (nomen nudum) =Murex magellanicus Gmelin, 1791 =Buccinum geversianum Pallas, 1774) are synonyms.
Description: Shells variable in size, ranging from about 1 to more than 10 centimeters high, fusiform, subquadrate to elongate. Protoconch paucispiral, with 2 to 2½ asymmetrical, smooth, slightly globose, and regularly convex whorls. Spire of about 4 whorls, equal or slightly shorter than aperture height, never higher. Subsutural ramp generally present, variously developed and slightly inclined posteriorly, defining a conspicuous keel. Axial sculpture variable, from weak growth lines to strong lamellae—in some instances even growing over the subsutural ramp; axial sculpture generally better developed than spiral sculpture. Lamellae along keel sometimes growing into fairly strong, always open, spines, which may even curve backwards. Spiral ornamentation variably developed; sometimes missing, but generally consisting of slightly rounded and equally developed cords, wider than interspaces and sometimes accompanied by weaker secondary intercalated ones. Spiral ornamentation usually restricted to surface abapical to keel, while missing along subsutural ramp and in some cases only present in the earliest whorls. Aperture subovoid; outer lip sharp, sometimes slightly reflected, but always smooth throughout. Siphonal canal always present and open, although variably developed in length, sometimes curved. Umbilicus variable, usually open, wide, although in some species totally absent or represented by a chink.
Shell ultrastructure arranged invariably in 2 layers: innermost layer of crossed lamellar aragonite, outer layer of amorphous calcite. Relative thickness of both layers variable according to species or—within a given species—latitude at which the population lives.
Radulae rachiglossate, rachidian teeth with 3 median cusps, the central one the larger and the lateral ones with a denticle, sometimes obsolete but always present, attached to the interior margin (never free). Rachidian base always sinuous and with the base offset under the proximal tooth. Marginal cusps always single, never bifid. Lateral teeth always thin, with the attachment area also thin. Operculum circular or suboval tear-shaped, attachment area with horseshoe shaped scars.
Accessory salivary glands always developed, tubular, single or coiled and unfilled. Esophagus with a loop running along the left side of the gland of Leiblein; esophageal glands externally invisible.
Egg-capsules always erect, never lenticular, usually with nurse eggs.”
(Pastorino, 2005: 56)
Trophon is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails.[1]
The following species are recognised in the genus Trophon:[2]
Trophon is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails.
